Ep #88: Everything is Mutual Aid with Autumn Breon

Summary of the episode

In this episode of noseyAF, I sit down with Los Angeles-based artist Autumn Breon to talk about what it really means to redefine Black excellence. Autumn’s work lives at the intersection of Black feminist praxis, historical memory, and speculative futures—spanning performance, installation, and public art.

We talk about portals to other realities, the importance of rest and care in creative work, and why Black excellence must be understood beyond traditional measures of success. Autumn’s perspective challenges the pressures of perfectionism and productivity, urging us to embrace creativity, community, and well-being as true markers of success.

Whether you’re an artist, activist, or just curious about new ways of thinking about liberation, this conversation will leave you inspired to imagine and live differently.

What we talk about

The origins of Autumn’s visionary project, The Care Machine, and how it reimagines what community support can look like
Why Black excellence needs a redefinition that centers emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being—not just achievement
How denim, space travel, and performance art weave into Autumn’s creative practice and storytelling
The power of leisure, portals, and speculative imagination in reshaping culture and care

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Autumn Breon and Her Art

• 08:55 - Redefining Success and Creativity

• 11:22 - The Birth of the Care Machine

• 25:28 - Redefining Black Excellence

• 25:39 - Redefining Excellence: A Conversation on Black Identity

• 34:23 - The Ethos of Care and Abolition

• 39:34 - Exploring Performance Art and Collaboration

• 46:27 - Exploring Portals to Other Realities

• 52:50 - The Importance of Rest and Leisure in Creative Work

• 57:30 - Transitioning to Mutual Aid in Space

• 01:03:43 - The Importance of Care in Community and Culture

• 01:07:55 - The Cultural Significance of Denim

• 01:10:45 - The Cultural Significance of Denim in History

Things We Mentioned

All about... Autumn

You’re gonna love Autumn—she’s a portal-maker, care-weaver, and creative force reimagining what freedom can look like.

Autumn Breon is a Los Angeles-based artist whose work engages Black feminist praxis, historical memory, and speculative futures. Her practice spans performance, installation, and public art that centers liberation and care. Inspired by ancestral technologies and maroon ecologies, she creates portals to other realities through ritual, research, and play. Autumn studied Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University and her work often explores spatial freedom beyond Earth. She’s exhibited at institutions like Hauser & Wirth, LACMA, and the Oakland Museum.

Sponsor Shoutout 💖

This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour — my weekly virtual co-working space where artists, filmmakers, and cultural workers come together to tackle the admin side of their practice. From grant writing to inbox cleanup, it’s a supportive and productive hour to get things done—together.

www.artistadminhour.com

Connect with Autumn

Instagram: @autumnbreon
Website: autumnbreon.com

Connect with Stephanie

Support & Feedback

Episode Credits

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Ad Instrumental: Aubrey Modium

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam